Minnesota Vikings at Washington Redskins: Third Quarter Open Thread

Trailing to start the second quarter by a score of 7-0, the Minnesota Vikings really couldn't afford to get down any further. However, that's exactly what happened, as the Washington Redskins added to their lead with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Vernon Davis. Dustin Hopkins added the extra point, and the home team quickly found themselves ahead by a score of 14-0.

Cordarrelle Patterson got an opportunity to return the next kickoff, but only managed to get out to the 23-yard line for the start of the Vikings' next drive. Jerick McKinnon got things started with a 13-yard run from the Wildcat formation. So, naturally, on the next play McKinnon got called for an offensive face mask on a reception to push the Vikings back 15 yards. It looked like the Vikings were going to stall out again, but a fortuitous illegal contact call on the Redskins gave Minnesota a first down. However, things went back to normal soon after, meaning that Jeff Locke was on to punt it away again. Jamison Crowder called for a fair catch at the Washington 21-yard line, and that's where the home team started their next drive.

For the first time this afternoon, it was the Redskins' turn to go three-and-out, as they had three incomplete passes on their next possession. Tress Way came on to punt it away, and Stefon Diggs got a decent enough return to give the Vikings the ball at their 33-yard line for their next drive. The Vikings got themselves a spark on their drive, as Bradford found Stefon Diggs for a long 36-yard gain to Washington's 31-yard line. Matt Asiata then carried the ball down to the 25, and the Vikings were knocking on the door. Adam Thielen then took the ball 11 yards to the 14, moving the Vikings into the red zone. Sam Bradford then found Kyle Rudolph, who went down to the 1-yard line for a first-and-goal! To finish the drive, Matt Asiata barrelled over from the 1-yard line. . .on his third attempt. But, a touchdown is a touchdown, and the Vikings were finally on the board as the Blair Walsh extra point made it 14-7.

Rashad Ross got an opportunity to return Walsh's kickoff, and got it out to the 22-yard line. Rob Kelley picked up 12 quick yards for the Redskins, but the Redskins' drive stalled after a holding penalty on Washington tackle Morgan Moses. Tress Way came on to punt again, and the Vikings got to start their possession at their own 25-yard line. Minnesota got themselves a quick first down on a couple of short passes, one to Stefon Diggs and one to Cordarrelle Patterson. Bradford then found Diggs for a nice 23-yard completion, putting the Vikings into Washington territory at the 38.

Bradford found Jarius Wright (who?) for 8-yards just before the two-minute warning to the Redskins' 30. Bradford and Diggs connected again for 10 yards to the Washington 20. Minnesota then finished the drive in style, as Bradford hit Kyle Rudolph for a 20-yard touchdown pass! There was a review to see whether or not Rudolph stepped out of bounds, but after review the play was upheld. Walsh hit his second consecutive extra point, and the game was suddenly tied at 14.

The kickoff from Walsh went for a touchback, giving the Redskins the ball at their 25-yard line with 58 seconds left in the half, and the Vikings' defense came up big on a forced fumble by Andrew Sendejo that was recovered by Everson Griffen, giving the Vikings the ball at the Washington 32 with 50 seconds left. Bradford went to work again, finding Diggs to the 5-yard line for a 28-yard gain. Asiata then picked up two yards down to the 3 on first-and-goal. On the final play of the half, Bradford found Adam Thielen for a 3-yard touchdown pass to put the Vikings in the lead for the first time today. That gave the Vikings a 20-14 lead. . .and it stayed that way, Walsh missed the extra point to send the teams into the locker room with that exact score.

Bradford was absolutely lights out in the first half of play, as he completed 16-of-20 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Diggs has been the big beneficiary in his return to his home town, as he caught five passes for 102 yards in the first half of play. Kyle Rudolph has also chipped in with 53 yards and a score on three catches. As usual, the Vikings can't run the ball, as the Vikings have combined for just 37 yards on 15 carries.

For the Redskins, Kirk Cousins is 9-of-15 for 125 yards and two touchdown passes of his own. Vernon Davis has had the big day receiving for the home team thus far, as he has three catches for 66 yards and a score. Rob Kelley has 34 yards on eight carries to pace the Redskins in rushing.

After a furious comeback by the Vikings, they've taken a 20-14 lead into the locker room in an effort to end their three-game losing streak. Can they keep the momentum going in the second half with Washington getting the ball first? Come join us for the third quarter and see!